An Anatomical Guide to the Terminal Facial Artery: Lumen Diameter and Associated Anatomy Relevant to Dermatologic Procedures

BACKGROUNDDermal filler injection in the vicinity of the terminal facial artery (FA) can lead to vascular compromise with devastating consequences, including tissue necrosis, blindness, and stroke.OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to examine lumen diameter and other anatomical features of the terminal FA relevant to dermal filler injection.MATERIALS AND METHODSEighteen embalmed adult cadavers were dissected along the distribution of the terminal FA. Gross and microscopic measurements were taken at predetermined points in its course.RESULTSMean lumen diameter was largest at the midpoint between the oral commissure and the lateral supra-alar crease (0.81 ± 0.36 mm; point P1) and smallest at the midpoint between the lateral supra-alar crease and the medial canthus (0.43 ± 0.23 mm; point P3). Mean cutaneous depth was deepest at the lateral supra-alar crease (5.06 ± 1.84 mm; point P2) and most superficial at the midpoint between the lateral supra-alar crease and the medial canthus (3.13 ± 2.07 mm; point P3).CONCLUSIONThe large-caliber lumen diameter of the terminal FA creates the potential for intra-arterial injection with commonly used filler needles and blunt-tipped cannulas at all points in its course in the nasolabial fold and midface.